Manipur, India – A Krishna temple operated by the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was the victim of a bomb blast at
approximately 7:00 pm India time on Wednesday, August 16th. Over a thousand
worshippers were celebrating Janmastami, the most sacred observance of the year
for devotees of Krishna, at a temple in the state of Manipur, in the northeast
region of India. Unknown assailants threw a hand grenade into a crowd of people
sitting under a large tent outside of the temple, watching a religious dance
performance depicting Lord Krishna's pastimes.
A second grenade, which did not go off, was found an hour later in the
most crowded area of the temple, near an altar bearing sacred images of
Krishna. According to ISKCON spokespersons in Manipur, four people, including a
young girl, are confirmed dead. Approximately 36 people were injured,
including five foreign nationals. An eight-year old girl, who had been playing
the part of Krishna on stage when the bomb exploded, is among those severely
injured. The troupe's dance teacher lost his leg in the blast.
"We are sickened and greatly saddened by this horrible, vicious act," said
Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON's Minister of Communications. "The victims were
innocent devotees of God. There is no excuse for such wanton acts of violence.
We pray for the victims and their families, and we pray that Lord Krishna will
soon lift the terrible veil of hatred and violence that is covering our
world."
Among the injured, His Holiness Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Swami, an ISKCON
leader in Manipur, was taken to a hospital, where he remains in stable
condition.
Victims are being treated in several area hospitals. Indian Army and
government officials are trying to arrange a special morning air flight from
Manipura to Calcutta, where better emergency care facilities are available.
Otherwise, victims will have to wait for a regularly scheduled afternoon flight
from the remote State in northeast India.
According to the police, no militant groups or individuals have claimed
responsibility for the bombing. The temple building did not sustain any
damage.
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